I’ve wanted to visit the Tehachapi Loop for a few years now, and today I finally made it happen. Based on the amount of time I spent there, I’d say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The Tehachapi Loop is a critical piece of American infrastructure, which most people have never heard of. Built in 1876 by the Southern Pacific Railroad, the loop is an engineering marvel. Originally constructed to allow trains to cross the Tehachapi Mountains, the loop was a critical part of the first rail line connecting San Francisco, with the then small town of Los Angeles. Despite being built 150 years ago, the Tehachapi Loop is essentially unchanged from when it was first constructed, and it’s one of the busiest stretches of railroad in the United States.
While economically vital, the Tehachapi Loop is famous for its design. Any train longer than 4,000 feet will pass over itself, and with some trains now surpassing 2 miles in length, the loop produces some incredible sights. Words don’t do justice to the unusual sight of a freight train coiling around itself like a snake. The video below is much better than any description I could conjure up.
I had originally planned to only spend about an hour at the Tehachapi Loop, a quick detour on my way to Las Vegas. Five hours later I was nursing a decent sunburn, but it was well worth it. I’m not a railroad purist, my interest originated because of their economic importance, but after today I have a new found appreciation. I realize the Tehachapi Loop won’t be of interest to everyone, but if you have even a passing interest in railroads you should go. I won’t be in Southern California again for a while, but the next time I’m here, it’s a good bet I’ll be making a return trip to the Tehachapi Loop.
For anyone interested in going, here are a few practical tips. If you’re using Google Maps, type in Tehachapi Loop Overlook as your destination. It’s a simple viewing platform with parking right across the street. I’ve read several funny stories about people typing in Tehachapi Loop as the destination and ending up in the middle of the loop. It would be easy to do, there is a road leading across the tracks and into the middle, you’ve been warned. Second tip, while there is an official viewing platform, don’t use it. There’s a little dirt road you can hike up, which leads to hills sitting above the loop, you’ll have much better views from up there. You can also see the trains on the other side of the loop from there.
How much time between trains? Pretty much a constant stream?
Pretty steady. Never had to wait more than 20 or 25 minutes. They showed up in bunches as well. Had trains enter the loop from the East and West at the same time more than once.
I had never heard of this before. So cool!
Wow! We’ll have to visit, thanks for the tips!
I’ve driven by the loop on HIghway 58 many, many times on my way to Bakersfield, but have never stopped at the overlook – good tip. I’ve seen the loop from the highway, and have seen trains on the loop, too. It’s also pretty cool to see trains going through the tunnels alongside the highway as they make the trip up the hill toward Tehachapi.